Home Remedies For Cracked Heels

Cracked heels are called by excessively dry skin. It can be worsened by the presence of thick calluses on the heels. Though cracked heels are often merely a cosmetic problem, deep cracks can cause pain and bleeding. Cracked heels are sometimes referred to as heel fissures.

Cracked heels can make standing and walking painful. This condition is caused by excessive pressure on the bottom of the heel without proper support. Working a job that requires a lot of standing, wearing open-backed shoes or sandals, and some medical conditions such as diabetes or eczema can make the individual prone to cracked heels. Being overweight can also be a contributing factor.

The heels that have become cracked should be kept well moisturized. One common home remedy is to apply an ample amount of petroleum jelly to the feet and covering them with socks before going to bed. Over-the-counter moisturizers may also be used instead of petroleum jelly. Some over-the-counter moisturizers are specially marketed as remedies for cracked heels. Beauty supply stores often carry a variety of creams and moisturizers for the treatment of cracked heels. Lanolin is a common home remedy for severely dry skin, including cracked heels. Lanolin is sold as nipple cream for nursing mothers.

For a natural home remedy, mash a piece of papaya and apply to the cracked heel. Papaya contains a plant enzyme that promotes healing. I received a moisturizing tip from my dermatologist. He suggests applying regular shortening to the skin after showering. This acts as a barrier to trap moisture in the skin.

If calluses are a contributing factor for the cracked heels as they often are, the moisturizing treatments will be most effective if the calluses are also treated. A home remedy suggests soaking the feet in a basin of warm water with three tablespoons of baking soda before rubbing the callus with a pumice stone.